(Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has taken a major step toward streamlining the safety of passengers and operations by upgrading the signalling system at Shakurbasti.
Indian Railways recently commissioned electronic interlocking at Shakurbasti in New Delhi. This system replaced one of India’s oldest mechanical interlocking yards. The new system, equipped with a Visual Display Unit (VDU)- based interface, controls 493 routes and improves the safety, efficiency, and reliability of train operations.
Reduction in Train Accidents Across Railways
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha in November, reported a decrease in train accidents from 135 in 2014-15 to 40 in 2023-24. This decline reflects the impact of safety measures implemented over the past decade.
Comparative Accident Data
| Period | Total Accidents | Average Accidents per Year |
| 2004-2014 | 1,711 | 171 |
| 2014-2024 | 678 | 68 |
Improvement in Safety Index
The Accidents per Million Train Kilometers (APMTKM), a key metric for assessing safety performance, reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2023-24, an improvement of approximately 73% over the period.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his response to the Lok Sabha, highlighted upgrades in railway signalling and safety systems:
- Installation of Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems:
As of October 31, 2024, a total of 6,608 stations are equipped with electrical/electronic interlocking systems. - Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates:
To enhance safety at level crossings, 11,053 level crossing gates have been interlocked by the same date
These advancements outline the Railways’ efforts towards its commitment to provide efficient and safe travel to passengers.
